2019 Ford Ranger vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma

Holding the title of best-selling midsize pickup, the Toyota Tacoma has proven itself as a force in the class of midsize pickups. After a 7-year absence, the Ford Ranger is back and ready to compete for that title. Find out which of these esteemed pickups comes out on top with this comparison of the 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2019 Toyota Tacoma.

Falling $1,400 lower in its starting MSRP, the Ford Ranger seems to be the more affordable option. But which model saves the most money at the pump? With the standard 2.7-liter DOCH, the Tacoma delivers 20 city / 23 highway mpg. Switching to the optional V6 drops those figures to 19 city / 24 highway mpg. In either case, the Ranger provides a more fuel-efficient drive with 21 city / 26 highway mpg.

2019 Ford Ranger

vs

2019 Toyota Tacoma

Comparing the Horsepower, Torque and Tow Ratings of the 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2019 Toyota Tacoma

Despite being restricted to one engine option, the Ranger features impressive power ratings. In fact, the lineup’s 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine brings just as much power as the top-level engines of competing pickups. The two models come neck and neck in max horsepower with the Ranger’s EcoBoost bringing in 270 horsepower and the Tacoma pulling in 278 horsepower with its top-level V6. When it comes to torque, there’s really no competition. The Ranger dominates with best-in-class 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The Tacoma falls flat, maxing out at just 265 lb.-ft. If you’d rather stick with the standard engine, the Tacoma’s power ratings drop to a measly 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ranger’s EcoBoost is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Tacoma’s engines get matched with a 6-speed transmission.

With that gap in engine performance, you can probably guess who wins the competition for towing capacity. The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 3,500-lb. towing capacity. If you’re willing to splurge on that V6, the Tacoma tops out with a max towing capacity of 6,400 lbs. Across the entire lineup, the Ranger delivers a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs.

Sporting better fuel economy and performance ratings at a lower starting MSRP, the 2019 Ford Ranger emerges as the obvious victor in this face off.